Outside the palace.
Chu Heng intentionally let the news slip to the Dukeās Mansion.
Both the Prince of the State and the Old Madam quickly received the news.
The Old Madam tightened her handkerchief and finally sighed, saying, "Although somewhat surprised, itās not unexpected at all. If they hadnāt been prepared in advance, how could the Chu family leak the news to let the elder wife know? Itās clearly a warning, yet the elder wife thought she could take advantage and actually made a move."
"Go, inform the elder wife of this news, and send a notice to Madam Zhangās family as well." The Old Madam closed her eyes after speaking, clearly not wanting Lady Li to make any more foolish moves.
With this situation, the Zhang family is at fault and can hardly come forward to say anything.
Indeed, thatās exactly the case.
The Zhang family members were nearly at the gate of the Dukeās Mansion when they received the news. They were called back by the elder master of the Zhang family, left in embarrassment, and ultimately sent a gift of apology to the Dukeās Mansion, stating that as long as thereās no divorce and Lady Li is not sent away to a nunnery, they wonāt interfere.
As for Lady Li sending a confidant to request help from her family, it was naturally treated as if it never happened.
Li Lingren, in his own courtyard, met with no one.
But the Old Madam still sent someone to deliver the news to him.
Upon learning that Chu Jin had roughly figured it out, he gave a bitter laugh, followed by a sense of relief. The filial piety that had always weighed on his heartāworrying whether he was truly unfilial and whether Mother actually had his best interests at heartāperhaps he really should, as Mother said, be braver and give it a try. What if he succeeds?
He was an ordinary person. Before the matter was concluded, he didnāt know whether he was right or wrong.
But the moment he heard the news, he felt at ease and breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a great burden lifted off his shoulders.
No longer would he worry about defying his elders being wrong.
The facts proved that Mother was wrong from the start, and in the future, he would walk his own path. Whether timid or bold, it did not matter; what he sought was merely his own willingness.
At this moment, Li Lingrenās gaze became resolute.
That day, he went to the Old Madamās courtyard, knelt down, and said, "Grandmother, Lingren is unfilial and temporarily does not wish to marry. I only wish to travel and strive to pass the imperial examination in six years and secure a future career."
The Old Madamās wise yet aged eyes looked at him for a long time before speaking: "You still want to pursue an official career?"
"I do." Li Lingren was more determined than ever.
"If thatās the case, then go ahead." The Old Madam suddenly smiled slightly, patting his shoulder: "If you donāt want to start a family now, then donāt. However, in six years, you must settle down. Grandmother doesnāt want to see you live alone for the rest of your life. You wouldnāt want to worry your grandmother, would you?"
"...Yes, Grandmother." Li Lingren ultimately didnāt want to disappoint his grandmotherās expectations and nodded in agreement, especially since it did not conflict with his plans.
That evening, Li Lingren bid farewell to his siblings and father and quietly left the Dukeās Mansion, joining a caravan headed for business in the capital. He left without saying a word to anyone.
The Prince of the State unexpectedly woke up early in the morning; he hadnāt expected his son to have such courage.
He was quite pleased, thinking his children were all inclined to indulge. Since he himself was one to enjoy life in the moment, he naturally didnāt force others, even his own sons, to be ambitious.
However, now that he had a son who found his own path, he felt happy. After all, as a father, who wouldnāt hope for a successful son?